Snodeo bringing all things snowmobile to Rangeley later this month

A Rave X rider in the midst of a flip before a big crowd at a past Snodeo held in Rangeley.

RANGELEY - The region's premier snowmobiling event kicks off later this month, with races and exhibitions scheduled for Jan. 24 through Jan. 26.

Events on Thursday, Jan. 24, include a Chili Chowder Cook-off sponsored by the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce at The Gingerbread House in Oquossoc at 5 p.m. That event will be followed by the annual RLSC Casino night at 6:30 p.m. at Bald Mountain Camps in Oquossoc.

Friday, Jan. 25, starts with pre-registration for the return of Rock Maple Racing Cross-Country Race and the Tame the Track Tour Snowmobile Races. Registration will be held at the Steven Bean Municipal Airport, beginning at 6:30 pm. Pre-registration is available online at rockmapleracing.com and tamethetracktour.com.

Friday evening is also the annual Live Auction, featuring Larry Koob, at Snodeo Headquarters Moose Alley from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All proceeds from the auction directly go to the grooming operations for the RLSC.

The Rock Maple Cross-Country Race, and the Tame the Track Tour will both be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, with registration opening at 6:30 a.m. at the airport. Gates for the public will open at 8 a.m.

Rock Maple is a 5-mile race, while the Tame the Track Tour (vintage & 120cc snowmobiles) will be over a third of a mile-long track. Ticket prices are $10/per person. Children under 12 are free. Parking is free. All proceeds from this event go directly to the club grooming funds.

Racers interested in either event are strongly encouraged to pre-register at the airport on Friday evening.

Vendors will be set up in the area adjacent to the race. BMC & Backwoods Mountain Products are signed on for vendors, but vendors space is still available. Please contact Jonny Wakefield at jonnyoqm@yahoo.com or email the RLSC at info@rangeleysnowmobile.com.

Sponsors for the race include Oquossoc Marine, Hight Family of Dealerships, Mission Trailers, Polaris, Skowhegan Savings, Boss Power, Welcome Home and boltdepot.com.

The Wilhelm Reich Museum with be hosting a children's hands-on table at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Rangeley from 10-2 p.m. on Saturday.

Following the race, Boss Power, along with RLSC as a sponsor, is again hosting the Rave X Jumpers starting at 2 p.m. at the Boss Power parking lot on Main Street.

“A Thank You to Snowmobilers” Parade will be held Saturday evening, with sleds lining up at 5 p.m. at Rangeley Inn. Parade sleds are encouraged to be decorated in red, white and blue. Awards will be given in the categories of youth, vintage, best float and best decorated. The parade will go from Rangeley Inn thru town to Town and Lake Motel, soon followed by Fireworks display over the lake.

Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club would like to thank the following sponsors for helping make this event happen: Hight Family of Dealerships, Oquossoc Marine, Polaris, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Mission Trailers, Boss Power Equipment, Bald Mountain Camps, boltdepot.com , Backwoods Mountain Products and Welcome Home Furnishings.